NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1158797
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 26
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1542-7587
EISSN: N/A
Relationship with English: Language Use, Attitudes, and Investment in Learning among Low-Income Latino Immigrant Entrepreneurs
Bonder, Linda E.
Critical Inquiry in Language Studies, v14 n4 p371-396 2017
Many researchers have explored language learning investment since Norton Peirce (1995) introduced the concept. However, most investment studies have recruited participants through language classes, which presupposes participant investment in formal learning. The current study went outside the classroom context by conducting ethnographic interviews with eight Latino immigrant entrepreneurs recruited through a small business training program. The study found that examining investment alone was insufficient for understanding participant experience. A more comprehensive analysis indicated that each participant had a unique relationship with English, encompassing situated language use, past learning experiences, current investment in learning, and feelings about using English. Participants' relationships with English affected and were affected by the kinds of businesses they had, how they positioned themselves, and how they were positioned by others. Participants who positioned themselves as "not English speakers" nevertheless used nonspoken semiotic resources to become English users and thus access economic opportunities. These findings have implications for English language teachers, social service providers, employers, and researchers in the applied linguistics and Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages communities. Overall, relationship with English provides a framework to assess, describe, and support immigrants' language use and learning.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A